- Diogo Jota and Andre Silva died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain
- Their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, then caught fire
- UEFA will observe a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euros game
Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, have tragically died in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Andre Silva, 26, was also a professional footballer, playing for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the fatal crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time on Thursday. The brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when a tyre blowout occurred while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to veer off the road and catch fire.
Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on 22 June. The couple shared three children, and photos from their wedding had just been posted online.
The 27-year-old was a key figure in Portuguese football, helping Liverpool secure the Premier League title last season and contributing to Portugal’s victory over Spain in the Nations League final in June.
In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed profound grief:
“The FPF and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated. Diogo Jota was more than a remarkable player with nearly 50 international caps—he was a beloved person, admired by teammates, opponents, and his community.”
The FPF called their deaths “irreparable losses” and pledged to honor their legacy. They also requested that UEFA observe a minute of silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday.
Jota had previously played for FC Porto on loan during the 2016–17 season, where his brother Andre was involved in the youth system.
In a tribute, one of his former clubs wrote:
“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. Rest in peace.”
